Abstract
The study of the molecular basis of the interaction between Erwinia amylovora and the plant host is of great importance in order to understand the role of the genes involved in determining pathogenicity. Structural and functional genomics have been applied for the first time to the study of fire blight in order to gain a detailed knowledge of the mechanisms by which the bacteria overcome plant defenses and thrives in the plant host. For this investigation, genes involved in siderophore biosynthesis, sugar metabolism and amylovoran biosynthesis as well as genes coding for secreted proteins have been selected. The corresponding proteins are currently under structural and biochemical characterization. The results of this research will help in designing new inhibitor molecules to use in fire blight control.